Conformity

• Conformity is a type of social influence involving a change in belief or behavior in order to fit in with a group. Involving either real or imaginary group pressure.
• Compliance is a type of conformity that involves going along with the crowd, but privately disagreeing. The changes in behavior are often temporary.
• Identification is a type of conformity that occurs when individuals conform to what is expected of them based on their social roles. The behavior changes are typically long term.
• Internalisation is a type of conformity when someone accepts the group norm. The changes in belief and behavior are genuine and long-lasting.
• Informational social influence is an explanation of conformity when a person is unsure of the correct behavior, and look to others who are more informed for guidance. It often occurs in ambiguous or unfamiliar situations and leads to internalisation of the beliefs or behaviors.
• Normative social influence is an explanation of conformity undertaken to fit in and be liked, because of the fear of the potential negative social consequences of appearing deviant. This often leads to compliance with group norms.
• Group size is a factor affecting conformity as a larger group size can increase the likelihood of conformity, but only to a certain point.
• Unanimity is a factor affecting conformity as the presence of another non-conforming individual decreases conformity, showing the influence of majority need not be unanimous.
• Task difficulty is an explanation of conformity as conformity increases when tasks become more difficult or when the individual lacks confidence in their ability.
• Asch's experiment (1951) studies conformity where participants matched lines based on the incorrect majority viewpoint. On average, 32% conformed. 75% conformed at least once and 25% never conformed.
• Zimbardo's study (1971) shows how roles can affect behavior, leading to identification type of conformity using 24 men given roles of prisoner and guard. The participants started acting within the behaviors expected of their roles, and the guards became more aggressive and the prisoners more submissive.